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Behavior Modification
Can behaviors be modify?
B.F. Skinner
Who was Skinner????
Burrhus Frederic Skinner was born March 20, 1904, in the
small Pennsylvania town of Susquehanna. August 18, 1990,
B. F. Skinner died of leukemia after becoming perhaps the
most celebrated psychologist since Sigmund Freud.
Skinner
Skinner, the psychologist most notably associated
with operant conditioning, demonstrated this
theory through the use of a "Skinner Box," which
automatically provided food pellets and electrical
shocks to rats. Through the use of reinforcement
and punishment, Skinner was able either to
increase or decrease the likelihood that the rats
would push a lever.
Reinforcement
Reinforcements will likely increase or
decrease the recurrence of a particular
behavior. The reinforcement can be
either positive or negative.
Punishment
• Skinner did not believe in punishments.
• Skinner thought that punishments should only be
enforced when absolutely necessary.
– Such as a fight
• He felt that punishment was a reward to some
students, because they are receiving the
attention that was desired.
• Skinner felt that if the good behavior was
rewarded and the bad behavior ignored, the bad
behavior would diminish.
Examples:
• Internal competiveness
– Have the children challenge themselves to do their very best.
• Use the charts as reminders of agreements, not a record of rewards
or payoffs. Focus on the child's accomplishments instead of giving
demerits for poor performance.
In the classroom
If their agenda is filled out and the previous day has been
signed off by a parent the student will receive a sticker for
their chart. If the agenda is not signed by a parent or guardian
the student will not receive the sticker.
Strength
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It is simple to use.
Results are immediate.
It accommodates most teachers' desire to maintain control.
Students can feel successful when they obtain rewards.
Standards of behavior are uniform, consistent, and clear to all
students.
• Time does not have to be spent in class discussing rules and
students' conduct.
• It can be readily employed with all students regardless of age.
• The procedure has been well researched and found to work
consistently
Weaknesses
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The results might not last long.
Students may not perform as desired when rewards are terminated
Students may not learn how to govern their own behavior
The approach may seem too much like bribery to some teachers
It ignores any underlying problems caused by influences at home, in
society, or at school
• To use so much control in a democratic society may be unethical
• Students do not get an opportunity to clarify emotions, weigh
alternatives, decide on solutions, or develop their intellect
• Rewards undermine intrinsic motivation
Resources
Behavior modification: B.f. skinner. (2010, September 13). Retrieved
from http://8models.wikispaces.com/Behavior Modification - Skinner
Aiger, A. (2012, June 07). Behavior modification. Retrieved from
http://www.livestrong.com/article/141601-behavior-modification/
Dr. George Boeree, B. (2006). Psychwatch.com. In Dr. C. George
Boeree. Retrieved from http://webspace.ship.edu/cgboer/skinner.html
Pawel, J. (1996). Using behavior modification techniques. Retrieved
from
http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/Using_Behavior_Modification_Techni
ques.html
McLeod, S. A. (2007). B.F. Skinner | Operant Conditioning.Retrieved
from http://www.simplypsychology.org/operant-conditioning.html